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Kim Ashton
 

Lawyer | Barrister (Unreg) | County Court Advocate | CIArb Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator | FMC Approved Family Mediator

Resolving Disputes - Preserving Relationships - Finding Common Ground & Practical Solutions
 
Disputes can be costly, time-consuming and emotionally demanding. Mediation offers a confidential, flexible and cost-effective alternative to litigation, enabling parties to find practical solutions while retaining control over the outcome.
 
I am a Lawyer, Barrister (unreg), County Court Advocate, CIArb-accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator, and FMC approved Family Mediator. I assist individuals, professionals, businesses and families in resolving disputes constructively, efficiently and with dignity.

Alongside my mediation practice, I regularly appear before County Court Judges, representing clients in small claims, property disputes - landlord & tenant matters, and other civil proceedings. This combination of practical legal experience and specialist mediation training provides a firm foundation for helping parties resolve disputes before they escalate.

My primary focus is civil and commercial mediation, supported by extensive legal training, courtroom advocacy experience and a commercial business background.​

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Why Mediation?

Mediation can help parties:
 

  • Resolve disputes more quickly than litigation

  • Resolve matters confidentially

  • Maintain personal and work relationships

  • Explore practical and creative solutions

  • Retain control over outcomes

  • Reduce costs

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Areas of Practice

Civil Mediation

Property disputes, landlord & tenant, neighbour disputes, debt claims, consumer matters, contractual disagreements and general civil disputes.

Commercial Mediation

Business disputes, partnership disagreements, shareholder conflicts, professional relationships, workplace disputes and contractual matters.

Family Mediation

Child arrangements, separation issues, communication difficulties and financial discussions following relationship breakdown.

Experienced in Both Legal Practice and Mediation

Many disputes benefit from a mediator who understands both the legal framework and the real-world realities facing the parties involved.

My experience spans legal practice, courtroom advocacy, business leadership and mediation. I work comfortably with companies, professionals, private individuals and vulnerable parties, always seeking to establish an environment where all participants feel validated, respected and able to engage constructively in the process.

 

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Family mediation provides a constructive framework for addressing issues arising from separation or relationship breakdown.

I assist with:

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  • Child arrangements

  • Parenting communication

  • Financial discussions

  • Future planning

  • Managing conflict constructively


As an FMC-approved Family Mediator working towards full accreditation, I provide a helpful, impartial and structured environment in which difficult conversations can take place productively and respectfully.

Mediation Services

Civil Mediation

Civil disputes can quickly become expensive, stressful and disruptive.

Mediation offers an opportunity to resolve matters efficiently while preserving relationships and avoiding the uncertainty, cost and delay often associated with litigation.

I provide mediation services for matters including:

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  • Property disputes

  • Boundary and neighbour disputes

  • Consumer disputes

  • Debt claims

  • Professional disagreements

  • Contractual disputes

  • General civil claims


My experience in both mediation and county court advocacy provides a sound understanding of the issues parties commonly face before, during and after litigation.

Commercial Mediation

Commercial disputes frequently involve more than legal rights alone. Business relationships, reputation, time, cost and future opportunities are frequently at stake.

Civil and commercial mediation forms the core focus of my practice.

I assist with:

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  • Contract disputes

  • Partnership disputes

  • Shareholder disagreements

  • Supplier and customer conflicts

  • Professional services disputes

  • Workplace and business disputes

  • Commercial debt and payment disputes


My mix of legal, commercial experience, and mediation expertise enables me to understand both the legal and practical realities businesses face when conflict arises.

Family Mediation

Civil disputes can quickly become expensive, stressful and disruptive.

Mediation offers an opportunity to resolve matters efficiently while preserving relationships and avoiding the uncertainty, cost and delay often associated with litigation.

I provide mediation services for matters including:

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  • Property disputes

  • Boundary and neighbour disputes

  • Consumer disputes

  • Debt claims

  • Professional disagreements

  • Contractual disputes

  • General civil claims


My experience in both mediation and county court advocacy provides a sound understanding of the issues parties commonly face before, during and after litigation.

Civil Mediation

LANDLORD & TENANT MEDIATION

Mediation is the practical solution when:

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  • Court & litigation is expensive

  • Court timetables are slow

  • Relationships often break down unnecessarily

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Mediation can produce practical solutions where you control the outcome rather than any decisions litigation could make for you.

Resolve Housing Disputes Before They Reach Court

Disputes between landlords and tenants are often stressful, costly, and time-consuming.

Whether the issues involve rent arrears, property conditions, repairs, deposits, access, anti-social behaviour, communication challenges, or possession proceedings, mediation offers a constructive way to discuss and resolve any dispute before legal costs and litigation hearings increase.

 

Types of Disputes

I can assist with the following:

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  • Rent arrears

  • Deposit disputes

  • Repairs and maintenance issues

  • Property condition disputes

  • Anti-social behaviour allegations

  • Access disputes

  • Possession-related disputes

  • Communication breakdowns

  • Neighbour disputes involving landlords and tenants

  • Housing management disputes


As a practising County Court Advocate with regular experience in landlord and tenant matters, I understand the costs, delays, and uncertainties of litigation.

Mediation gives parties control over the outcome and reduces the stress and expense of contested court proceedings.

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How The Process Works

Step 1 – Initial Enquiry

One party contacts me and provides a summary of the dispute.

Step 2 – Mediation Information Form

Both parties complete a brief dispute summary form outlining:

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  • The issues in dispute

  • Their concerns

  • What outcome they hope to achieve

  • Any relevant documents


Step 3 – Agreement to Mediate

Before mediation begins, all participants sign an Agreement to Mediate.

This confirms:

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  • Voluntary participation

  • Confidentiality

  • Without prejudice status

  • Mediator neutrality

  • Limitations of liability

  • Data protection provisions

  • Costs arrangements


Step 4 – Pre-Mediation Discussions

I hold confidential individual discussions with each party to understand the issues and prepare for mediation.

Step 5 – Mediation Session

Mediation can take place online, by telephone, or in person.

Joint and private sessions are used to explore concerns, identify options, and negotiate solutions.

Step 6 – Outcome

If an agreement is reached, the terms are recorded in writing.

If no agreement is reached, parties remain free to pursue other options, including court proceedings. The content of the mediation remains confidential.

Possible Outcomes  - Mediation may result in:

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  • Rent repayment plans

  • Agreed move-out dates

  • Property repair schedules

  • Access arrangements

  • Behaviour agreements

  • Deposit settlements

  • Ongoing communication plans

  • Full settlement agreements

About Kim Ashton

I am a Lawyer, Barrister (unreg),with specialist training and practical experience in dispute resolution, mediation, advocacy and negotiation.

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My professional background combines legal expertise, courtroom experience, commercial leadership, and mediation practice. This enables me to assist parties across a broad range of civil, commercial, and family disputes while maintaining a strong focus on achieving realistic and lasting outcomes.

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I remain neutral and impartial during mediations. I seek to understand each party’s concerns, facilitate difficult conversations, identify underlying interests, and guide parties towards solutions that are practical, sustainable, and mutually acceptable.



Education & Qualifications

Legal Education

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  • Called to the Bar (England & Wales) by The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn 2025

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Bar Practice / Bar vocational Training ( The University of Law)

  • Master of Laws (LLM) in International Arbitration & Mental Health Law (The University of Law) (Pending)

  • First Class LLB (Honours) Bachelor of Laws


Professional Qualifications
 

  • Lawyer, Barrister (Unreg)

  • County Court Advocate

  • CIArb Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator

  • PDSL Civil & Commercial Accredited

  • LADR Family Trained

  • FMC Approved Family Mediator (working towards full accreditation)


Earlier Educational History

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  • B.A (Honours) Fine Art


Legal Practice 

Alongside my mediation work, I currently practise as a County Court Advocate, appearing before Judges in a variety of County Courts.

My advocacy work includes:

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  • Small claims hearings

  • Landlord and tenant disputes

  • Property-related litigation

  • Contractual disputes

  • Civil claims and hearings


This ongoing courtroom experience gives valuable insight into the realities, risks, costs and ambiguity of litigation. It reinforces my belief that mediation can often provide parties with a more effective, proportionate and satisfactory route to resolution.

I am equally comfortable working with businesses, professionals, private individuals, and vulnerable parties, adapting my approach to ensure that all participants can engage voluntarily and effectively in the process.

Commercial & Business Background

Before qualifying in dispute resolution, I spent several years as the founder and managing director of an independent production company, leading complex commercial projects from inception to international distribution.

The role entailed strategic leadership, contract negotiation, stakeholder management, financial oversight, and the resolution of competing commercial interests. Working with investors, distributors, creative professionals,  provided first-hand experience of the challenges businesses face when commercial relationships come under strain.

A key milestone during this period was the successful theatrical release of a feature film in the United States, an achievement that required sustained negotiation, collaboration, and commercial problem-solving across multiple stakeholders.

This practical business experience supplements my legal and mediation training and provides a perspective that many parties find valuable. I understand not only the legal dimensions of disputes but also the commercial realities, reputational concerns and partnership dynamics that frequently underpin them.

My Approach

As a mediator, I do not determine who is right or wrong.

My role is to facilitate constructive dialogue, help parties understand one another’s perspectives, and support them in making well-informed decisions.

I commit to:
 

  • Independence and impartiality

  • Confidentiality

  • Professionalism

  • Considerate & respectful communication

  • Accessibility and equity

  • Hands-on problem-solving

  • Client-focused dispute resolution

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mediation confidential?

Yes. Mediation is generally conducted on a confidential and without-prejudice basis, allowing parties to have open and constructive discussions.

Do I need a solicitor?

Not necessarily. Parties may attend mediation with or without legal representation, depending on the nature of the dispute and their individual circumstances.

How long does mediation take?

Many disputes can be resolved within a single day, although more complex matters may require additional sessions.

Is mediation legally binding?

Participation in mediation is voluntary. Where agreements are reached, they can often be formalised into legally binding arrangements where appropriate.

What types of disputes can be mediated?

Most civil, commercial and many family disputes can be mediated. An initial discussion can help determine whether mediation is suitable for your circumstances.

Make the First Step

Disputes can be resolved more effectively through constructive dialogue than through lengthy conflict.

With my experience in legal practice, courtroom advocacy, commercial leadership, and mediation, I help parties find practical solutions that allow them to shift dynamics and move forward with confidence.

Arrange an Initial Consultation Today

Resolve disputes constructively - Protect relationships - Move forward with confidence - Make tomorrow a better day

Contact

If you are considering mediation, I would be happy to discuss your situation and whether mediation may assist.

For Bookings:
07703 830573

Or
Email
kim.ashtonlaw@outlook.com

Online and in-person appointments available (subject to travel & expenses). 

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Who I Work With

I regularly assist:

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  • Businesses and company directors

  • Professionals and self-employed individuals

  • Landlords and tenants

  • Property owners

  • Families and separating couples

  • Private individuals

  • Vulnerable parties requiring a caring and accessible process


Every client and every dispute is different. My aim is to make certain that all parties feel able to participate fully and confidently in the mediation process.

Cost
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